How are the batterys charged i have a 1999 polaris magnum 500 i just replaced the battery thinking the old one was bad and 3 years old and im still having the same problem the battery dies i cleaned all the connections and its still not charging could someone help me out what i need to do to get this problem fixed

 

check charging above idle,should be 14 volts,if not check reg/rectifier connections at front of machine behind radiator, have had connections pulled out,if ok probably needs replacement,also check battery terminals for TIGHTNESS,loose terminals won't allow charge.

 

Iam having a similar problem. My weekend at the dunes got cut short because my electrical went dead. The past few times I had it out the battery was a bit weak and I would have to pull start it warm. If I ran without lights sometimes it would start with the starter. But if I had them on I couldn't. I was getting ready to go to the sand and It wouldn't start and it wouldn't hold a charge very long. Since the battery was 3 years old I thought it was time to replace it. Everything was fine the first day at the dunes. Rode for about 3 or 4 hours without lights, no problem. The next morning not so quick to start but it did, and I started to lose spark at WOT off and on. Then I was back to pull starting it (still hadn't put 2&2 together at this point). The miss got worse and any stab of the gas and I would lose power. I put it on a portable generator to charge up the battery for about 45 min. and took it out again. Still had to pull start it but it ran alot better..............for a while. When it started missing again the light in my head came on. I told the others that I was having a problem and heading back to camp but to go on without me. Luckily it died up on top of a high dune where I could be found easily.

Sorry about the long story but, I have charged the battery now and it will start with the starter but only run for about 10 seconds. I am not really hip to the charging system though. Is the rectifier a possible culprit in my situation? I can't seem to keep it running long enough to check charging above idle.

 

You guys should be getting more than 3 years out of a battery. Not as good as a car, but maybe 5 years instead of 3.

 

I lost my battery after only one year. It was my fault for not charging it prior to winter layup. It was put away at half charge and although it kept that charge afterward, it was always too low for fast cranking, sometimes not even turning over the motor. This may not be the problem you are having but unless you use your ATV often, the battery will discharge quite rapidly. Ive since bought a new battery $129.95...and a battery tender. Good luck!!!!